KATHMANDU, July 31: The Press Council Nepal has taken action against 31 YouTubers, both individual and corporate, over the past 15 days for breaching the Journalist Code of Conduct.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Council revealed it had targeted both registered and non-registered media channels. The actions were in response to content that instigated conflict, defamed individuals, or presented one-sided information.
The Council has directed three specific YouTube channels—Hello TV Nepal Facebook Page, PNP Media, and Nagarik Patra—to edit or remove content that violates the code, suspend unfavorable material, and provide clarifications within 24 hours. Immediate removal of obscene content was also mandated.
Additionally, the Council has requested Nepal Police's Cyber Bureau to investigate 28 YouTube channels, not officially recognized as media, that have been spreading obscene content styled as legitimate media.
The Press Council Nepal had previously penalized a total of 43 YouTubers in the last fiscal year, 2023/24. According to the statement, the Council is actively monitoring social media content to prevent the spread of conflict-inducing, violent, and abusive material.
Council President Bal Krishna Basnet emphasized that penalties were imposed based on new standards and guidelines. He urged for a constructive use of social media to enhance the media sector rather than exploit it. -- RSS